CENTER FOR PASTORAL FOUNDATION LAUNCHES CHAPLAINCY CERTIFICATION
Published: January 30, 2025
The Center for Pastoral Foundation of the Free Methodist Church is pleased to announce a new professional development opportunity for persons interested in earning certification in chaplaincy.
Introduction to Chaplaincy, a six-course program leading to a professional development certificate, provides an overview of ministry through chaplaincy, plus training for persons looking to serve as chaplains.
The program was developed by the Free Methodist Chaplains Association and is offered by the Center for Pastoral Foundation of the Free Methodist Church USA. Steve Tungate, director of the Center based on GU’s campus, reports that a new chaplaincy learning cohort will launch this fall.
Who benefits from this program?
“Women and men serving in ministry and looking for professional development that enables them to serve as volunteer chaplains in their local police or fire departments, hospitals, hospices, and/or as marketplace chaplains,” says Tungate. “It is also helpful for those who may be considering career chaplaincy as introductory training before attending seminary and working toward board certification.”
What topics does the program address?
The program consists of six consecutive classes. Topics covered include crisis counseling, ministerial ethics, grief and bereavement, trauma-informed care, and more. Participants will also learn about further study options available through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
How long will it take for a participant to complete the program?
Participants can complete the recommended sequence of classes in one year. The all-online format keeps the program affordable and accessible. Participants may also take the introductory course as a stand-alone course to determine if chaplaincy is indeed what they imagined.
What makes this course particularly appealing?
This program uses a cohort model where participants journey together through all six courses. This format encourages community, collaboration, and accountability. “Our instructors are experienced and trained in the field that each course represents,” says Tungate.
Do participants also earn academic credit for their work?
Presently, this is a non-credit-bearing course of study to keep it affordable as a professional development option. While it does not result in board certification, it lays a foundation for those who wish to continue toward that end.
Where can people go for more information?
For more information about earning a certificate in chaplaincy, call the Center for Pastoral Formation at 800-342-5531 or send an email. To read more about the opportunity, see “Special Elective Opportunities” on this page.
The Center for Pastoral Formation serves as a resource and networking center for conferences, Ministerial Education and Guidance Boards (MEGs), instructors, Free Methodist educational institutions (AFMEI), and John Wesley Seminary Foundation (JWSF) affiliate schools.
